Despite our intensely data-focused society, using student data to improve learning outcomes remains one of the least understood practices in education. This is unfortunate because data-driven instruction is one of the most effective components of improving student performance. This white paper explains how a group of 43 schools in Utah achieved significant gains in student proficiency through the state’s Assessment to Achievement (A2A) project, and how other state and district offices can replicate this innovative model.

Authors

Hollie Pettersson

Dr. Pettersson brings a broad array of expertise gained in the public and private sectors. She started her career teaching adjudicated youth in 1994, over the years she broadened her experience by teaching in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. As a licensed psychologist she worked with individuals, families, and schools to build trauma informed practices and increase social and emotional learning (SEL). Hollie also serves as a university instructor working with pre-service teachers, aspiring school psychologists, and principals. She is a skilled leadership coach, drawing on lessons learned through administrative roles at the state-, district-, and school-levels and the experiences she shares with school and district partners across the country. Through a 2007 ballot initiative, a transformation district of 34k students was established and Hollie was appointed as a key cabinet member, Director of Teaching and Learning. In this role, she facilitated restructuring of all academic programs to enable sustainable innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher and administrator learning. She has developed several curricular programs, serves on boards for mission driven organizations, and is a frequent author of articles on student achievement, educational improvement, teacher leadership, and social impact. Dr. Pettersson holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, her doctoral dissertation focused on school improvement with an emphasis on equity, access, and implementation science. She also holds master degrees in Educational Leadership and Policy and Special Education. You can reach Hollie at hpettersson@eddirection.com.

JoEllen Shaeffer

Dr. Jo Ellen Shaeffer is the former Director of Assessment and Accountability for the Utah State Board of Education, and has 33 years of experience in public education. She has developed, coordinated, and directed the implementation of federal and state education assessments, and has overseen accountability systems including the Governor’s report card. Dr. Shaeffer has sat on numerous direction and oversight committees focused on ESSA planning and SAGE Item Development for the Governor, and has had a significant impact on education in Utah.